Multi-purpose handle/prop for pen-based computer having overhanging front surface

ABSTRACT

An improved handle/prop is provided for a pen-based computer wherein the handle/prop is pivotally mounted to opposite side edges of the computer. The handle/prop can be pivoted and locked into a plurality of different positions. These positions are selected to facilitate carrying the computer, supporting the computer on a flat surface in one or more inclined positions for writing and/or viewing, and holding the computer during writing. In particular, to facilitate writing on the computer screen while holding the computer, the handle/prop is mounted so that it can be swung into a recessed position behind an overlapping portion of the front display surface. This will minimize the size of the computer and minimize interference with holding the computer and writing on its screen at the same time.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 081,698, filed Jun. 25,1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,290, which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 947,431, filed on Sep. 21, 1992, (now U.S. Pat. No.5,235,495).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is generally related to pen-based computers, and moreparticularly to a highly versatile handle/prop arrangement forfacilitating use of such a pen-based computer.

Recently, a new type of computer, commonly referred to as a pen-basedcomputer (although also sometimes referred to as a note-pad computer, ahand-held computer or a palm-top computer) has been commerciallyintroduced in various forms. Unlike their predecessors, the well-knownlap-top computers, pen-based computers do not require a keyboard toeither enter or retrieve information. Instead, such information istypically entered or retrieved through the use of a light pen operatingdirectly on the computer's screen.

The elimination of the need for a keyboard has a number of definiteadvantages. Obviously, for people who do not know how to type, thepen-based computer is extremely attractive as a way of availingthemselves of the benefits of a computer without having to learn totype. Also, the elimination of the keyboard permits even furtherreductions in size and weight relative to the extremely popular lap-topcomputers.

On the other hand, there has been some problems with previouslydeveloped pen-based computers in terms of positioning them for actualuse. Obviously, they can be used in a flat position on a table, orpicked up and held for use. However, these are not always the mostcomfortable or convenient positions for either writing in or viewinginformation. Also, the conventional lap-top "clam shell" configuration(having the screen on one side and the keyboard on the other) is not asappropriate for a pen-based computer because it does not have akeyboard. Accordingly, although pen-based computers are becoming moreand more popular because of their obvious benefits, they do not have thesame versatility for comfort and convenience of data entry and displaywhich many people would like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide aconvenient handle/prop arrangement for a pen-based computer that willpermit both carrying and supporting the pen-based computer in variouspositions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a handle/proparrangement which will permit carrying the computer, supporting thecomputer in at least two different positions on a table or other flatsurface, and holding the computer with the handle/prop conveniently outof the way.

To achieve these and other objects, the present invention provides apen-based computer having a handle/prop pivotally mounted to oppositeside edges of the computer. The handle/prop can be pivoted and lockedinto a plurality of different positions. In particular, these positionsare arranged to facilitate carrying the computer, supporting thecomputer for writing and viewing on a flat surface, and holding thecomputer during writing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features of the present invention can be appreciatedfrom the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of thehandle/prop of the present invention in a position for carrying thepen-based computer;

FIG. 2 is a detailed close-up view of the pivot point of the handle/propof the present invention showing one embodiment for locking thehandle/prop in various positions;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the handle/prop of FIG. 1 with the handle/propin a carrying position;

FIG. 4 is a side view showing the handle/prop in a position convenientfor hand-holding of the pen-based computer with the handle/prop out ofthe user's way;

FIG. 5 is a side view showing the handle/prop in an intended positionfor easy viewing on a flat surface;

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the handle/prop in an inclined positionfor easy data entry on a flat surface;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a ratchet locking arrangement which can beused in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a handle assembly for use with the ratchet lockingarrangement of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an assembled view showing the combination of the ratchetlocking arrangement of FIG. 7 with the handle of FIG. 8, in a lockedposition; and

FIG. 10 is an assembled view similar to FIG. 9, except for showing theratchet locking assembly in an unlocked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the present invention isshown with a pen-based computer 10 being carried by the use of ahandle/prop 12. The pen-based computer 10 is shown basically insimplified form as comprising a body 14, an overlapping front portion 16and a screen 18. The actual internal elements of the pen-based computer10 can be commercially available elements presently in use or known tobe capable of use for such pen-based computers. For example, theinternal system can be structured using an Intel 386 chip set, with ahard disk, a floppy disk, or recently introduced PCMCIA cards, asdesired. The handle/prop 12 is attached to opposing sides of the body 14of the computer 10 in a manner that facilitates the pivoting of thehandle/prop to at least four positions, each of which has its ownparticular usefulness.

The handle/prop 12 preferably is formed to have first and second legportions 20 and 22 and a crossbar portion 24. As can be appreciated fromFIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the handle/prop 12 is preferably attached to the side3 of the pen-based computer 10 in such a manner that the points ofattachment are closer to the upper edge 26 of the computer than to thebottom edge 28. This has been done so that when the handle/prop 12 isswung toward the top of the computer, the crossbar 24 will be spacedaway from the upper edge 26 of the computer. Incidentally, the pen-basedcomputer 10 will typically be used in conjunction with a light pen, theillustration of which has been omitted for simplification of thedrawings. This light pen can be conveniently attached to the upper edge26 by a spring loaded clip, for example.

FIGS. 3-6 illustrate the four preferred positions for the handle/prop12. Essentially, FIG. 3 shows a side view of the same first positionshown in FIG. 1. In this first position, the handle/prop 12 has beenswung to ensure that the crossbar 24 is at least far enough away fromthe upper edge 26 of the computer to permit the user's hand to beinserted between the crossbar and the upper edge.

In the second position shown in FIG. 4, on the other hand, thehandle/prop 12 has been swung down so that the crossbar 24 is closelyadjacent to the bottom edge 28 of the computer. In particular, as shownin FIG. 4, in the preferred embodiment, the handle/prop 12 is attachedto the body 14 in such a manner that, in the second position, both ofthe leg portions 20 and 22 and the crossbar 24 will essentially beconcealed beneath the overlapping front portion 16 when the computer isviewed from the front. This makes the computer very convenient to use inthe hand-held mode by holding the top edge 26 with one's left hand whilethe bottom edge 28 rests in the crook of the left elbow (assumingright-handed use of the light pen). An alternate position which someusers prefer is to have the handle/prop 12 extend out toward the back ofthe computer, substantially perpendicular to the body of the computer.The user can then grip the crossbar 24 with his left hand while furthersupporting the computer in the crook of his left arm.

FIG. 5 illustrates a third position of use wherein the handle/prop 12can hold the computer 10 on a flat surface in a manner that is veryconvenient for viewing of the screen 18. This particular position can,for example, be useful in those instances where it is desired to use thepen-based computer 10 with a separate keyboard (not shown). Althoughpen-based computers do not need keyboard 3 to function, it is sometimesuseful to connect them to one to permit high-speed entry of data in atyped form. Also, this position is useful when the screen 18 of thecomputer is being utilized for purposes of displaying information to agroup of people.

A fourth position of the pen-based computer 10 which is permitted by thehandle/prop 12 is shown in FIG. 6. In this fourth position, thehandle/prop 12 is pivoted and locked so that the computer can beslightly tilted up on a flat surface such as a table or desk top. Thisposition is ideal to permit comfortable use of a light pen with thescreen 18 when the computer is placed on a table, desk or other flatsurface.

One arrangement for locking the handle/prop 12 firmly into a selectedone of the four positions is shown in FIG. 2. This Figure details themounting of a first leg 20 to the body 14 of the computer at a pivotpoint 2B. A plurality of bumps 30 are provided at four locations on theside of the body 14 for engagement with a recess 32 provided on an innerside of the leg 20. Each bump 30 corresponds to one of the fourpositions discussed above for FIGS. 3-6.

In FIG. 2, the handle/prop 12 is shown locked in the first positionwhich is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. For the sake of clarity, the bump 30that the recess 32 is actually engaged with in this first position isnot shown. The single dot-dashed lines show how the handle/prop 12 wouldbe engaged in each of the other three positions. It is noted, of course,that a similar locking arrangement could be provided, if desired, forthe other leg 22 as well.

The locking embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is based on the fact that thelegs 20 and 22 of the handle/prop 12 have some flexibility to permitsliding of the handle/prop from one position to the next by exertingsufficient force on the crossbar to slide the recess 32 out ofengagement with one of the bumps 30 and into engagement with anotherone. The height of the bumps 30 and the depth of the recess 32 willdepend upon the degree of the flexibility of the legs 20 and 22 tofacilitate holding the handle/prop relatively firmly in a selectedposition while still being able to readily move it to another positionwhen desired.

FIG. 1 also shows another aspect of the present invention for multipleuse of the handle/prop 12. Specifically, if desired, an inner cavity 34can be provided for the handle/prop 12 to house peripheral elements thatare useful for pen-based computers. For example, one particular usefulelement for this inner cavity 34 would be an antenna to permit receptionand/or transmission of information to and from the computer 10. Smallcircuit cards (e.g. a receiver or transmitter to operate in conjunctionwith the antenna) could also be provided in the cavity 34. Elements suchas a bar code scanner or other circuitry could also be used in thecavity 34, if desired.

FIG. 3 shows a variation wherein an external antenna 36 is mounted bywrapping it around the handle/prop 12. In such a case, the externalantenna 36 would preferably be laminated or bolted in some manner tokeep it secure in its position on the handle and to prevent damage to itby the hands of the user. In this variation, the antenna 36 could beused in conjunction with elements mounted in the cavity 34 within thehandle/prop 12, or directly in conjunction with the internal circuitelements of the pen-based computer 10. Also, although it is not shown inFIG. 3, it is to be understood that the external antenna 36 could extendalong the crossbar portion 24 instead of, or in addition to, thelocation of the antenna along the leg portions 20 and 22.

In addition to the above-discussed features, FIGS. 2-5 show anothervariation of the body 14 that can be used, if desired, to implement avery slight tilt to the body when the pen-based computer is placed on aflat surface with the screen 18 facing upwards. Specifically, as can beseen in these Figures, the back of the body 14 can include a protrudingportion 38 near the upper portion of the body 14. When the pen-basedcomputer 10 is laid on its back, the protruding portion 38 will, ofcourse, provide a slight inclination to the front surface containing thescreen 18. This can serve as a variation on the fourth position shown inFIG. 6 to provide the user with a selection of the degree of inclinationthat they would like for writing or viewing the screen. In other words,in addition to the four positions achieved by the use of the handle/propin FIGS. 3-6, a fifth position could also be achieved by using theprotruding portion 38. In this position, the handle/prop 12 could eitherbe swung all the way up to the position shown in FIG. 3 or all the waydown to the position shown in FIG. 4.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show angles of inclination φ_(A) and φ_(B) respectively,for the third and fourth positions. From studies made by the inventors,it has been found that a useful range for φ_(A) is between 57° and 75°,while a useful range for φ_(B) is between 18° and 35°. In particular, ithas been found that setting the third and fourth positions somewhere inthese ranges provides for convenient viewing for the third position ofFIG. 5 and convenient writing for the fourth position of FIG. 6. Ofcourse, although these ranges are preferred, variations of this could bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the applicants'invention. Also, it is noted that the invention could be modified tohave more than two inclined positions. For example, given theabove-noted preferred ranges, one useful modification would be toprovide four inclined positions of 18°, 35°, 57° and 75°. In otherwords, in accordance with this modified embodiment, there would actuallybe six positions for the handle/prop 12 to lock into, as opposed to thefour positions noted in the basic embodiment of the invention discussedabove. When combined with the additional inclination provided by theprotruding portion 38 discussed above, this modified embodiment couldactually provide seven different useful positions for the pen-basedcomputer 10. Of course, as in the case of the ranges φ_(A) and φ_(B)noted above, the particular angles of inclination could be varied fromthe four angles discussed above without departing from the spirit andscope of the applicants' invention.

FIG. 1 also shows another important feature of the present inventionwhich will now be discussed. Specifically, as can be seen in FIG. 1, apalm rest area 39 is provided beneath the screen 18. In conjunction withthis, the screen is preferably arranged is a landscape orientation suchthat the width of the screen is greater than the height of the screen.By providing the palm rest area 39 and using the landscape orientationfor the screen 18, it is very convenient to write on any portion of thescreen while having support for the lower part of the palm of thewriting hand. The palm rest area 39 is particularly useful when one isusing the pen to write on or access the lower edge of the screen 18since, otherwise, the user's hand would extend over the bottom edge ofthe computer, which could become very uncomfortable after a period oftime.

Although the invention is not limited to any particular dimensions, anexample of a convenient device is one having an overall width and heightof about 10 7/8 inches, a screen 18 with about a 71/2 inch width and a53/4 inch height, and a palm rest area 39 with about a 41/2 inch height.These dimensions permit easy carrying of the device, in conjunction withconvenient writing with the light pen both when the computer is held inthe crook of one's arm or used in the desk-top position shown in FIG. 6.

In the above description, a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention and a modification thereof have been described which utilize aparticular handle/prop structure to facilitate a number of possiblepositions which are especially useful for pen-based computers. It is tobe noted, however, that variations of these embodiments are possiblewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the applicants'invention.

For example, although a particular locking means using bumps 30 and arecess 32 has been illustrated, it is to understood that other lockingarrangements could be used. For example, a ratchet arrangement could beused, as will be discussed hereinafter. Also, if the bump/recessarrangement of FIG. 2 is used, it is noted that, technically, the topand bottom bumps 30 are not essential, although they are, of course,useful. In other words, in the position of FIGS. 1 and 3, it is notessential that the handle be locked into place since gravity will tendto hold the handle in the correct position anyway. Similarly, in theposition of FIG. 4, the handle dill tend to stay in the positionillustrated when a person is holding the computer, especially if thereis some friction between the bottom of the computer 28 and the crossbar24.

FIGS. 7-10 provide one example of an extremely useful ratchetingarrangement that can be used to provide secure locking in a wide varietyof positions, together with quick release buttons which can be operatedfrom either side of the computer.

FIG. 7 provides an exploded view of the actual ratcheting assembly 40.This ratcheting assembly 40 will extend through the inside of thecomputer from the point where the leg 20 of the handle/prop 12' contactsthe side of the computer to a point where the leg 22 contacts the otherside of the computer. This ratcheting assembly 40 comprises a pair ofhandle ties 42, a deformable "living" hinge 44, a handle button 46 and acup 48.

As shown in FIG. 8, each leg 20 and 22 of the handle/prop 12' willinclude a hollow receiving sleeve 50 which the cup 48 will slide over,and through which the button 46 will extend to protrude to the outsideof the computer. The button 46 can include spacing ridges 52 which willengage the inside of the sleeve 50 to provide a predetermined evenspacing between the shaft of the button and the inside of the sleeve.

The inside of the cup 48 preferable includes ridges which will engagegrooves in the outer surface of the sleeve 50 to provide a lockedarrangement between the cup 48 and the sleeve 50 so that in order forthe handle/prop 12' to rotate, the cup will have to rotate also.Alternatively, the inside of the cup 48 could have grooves which wouldbe engaged by ridges in the outer surface of the sleeve 50 for this samepurpose. In either case, when the cup 48 is locked in a position tohinder rotation, the handle/prop 12' will also be locked in position byvirtue of the ridge/groove interrelationship between the inside of thecup and the outside of the sleeve.

The handle button 46 and the cup 48 each have teeth 54 and 56,respectively, to engage each other for locking the handle/prop 12' intovarious positions. The teeth 54 of the handle button 46 are springbiased by the handle ties 42 into locking engagement with the teeth ofthe cup 48 by virtue of springs 58 attached to the handle ties 42, asshown in FIG. 9. This spring bias also presses the cups 48 firmlyagainst the inside surfaces of the side walls of the computer case.Pressing either of the handle buttons 46 inwardly will release thespring tension of the teeth 54 of the buttons 46 against the teeth ofthe cups 48, as shown in FIG. 10, permitting the handle/prop 12' torotate into a new position. The mutual release of both ratchetingarrangements on opposite sides of the computer is achieved by thepivoting operation of the handle ties 42 around the pivot point of thedeformable hinge 44.

As noted above, the spring bias of the cup 48 against the inner sidewallof the computer (via the engagement with the teeth of the button 46)serves to lock both the cup and the handle/prop 12' in a desiredposition. It should be noted that, if desired, the degree of this springbias can be set so that application of a reasonable amount of force onthe crossbar 24 of the handle/prop 12' could cause the cup 48 to rotateslightly against the inner sidewall of the computer. This would permitmaking fine adjustments, as desired, in the actual handle/prop positionrelative to the body of the computer, thereby slightly changing theangle of orientation of the computer body.

Although not particularly limited thereto, the handle button 46 and thecup 48 are preferably formed of a glass filled polycarbonate materialwhich provides a very hard, strong and durable device. The handle ties42 and the deformable hinge 44 are preferably made of a superelasticplastic such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Such materials willpermit the hinge 44 to flex many thousands of times without breaking toengage and disengage the locking teeth of the cups 48 from those of thebuttons 46. Of course, other materials than those mentioned here couldbe used, if desired.

The teeth 54 on the button 46 and the teeth 56 on the cup 48 will, ofcourse, determine the number of positions available for the ratchetingassembly. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, twelve teeth can be provided to permit locking thehandle/prop in any one of twelve positions, each 30° apart. Of course,the number of teeth could be varied, and the spacing of the teeth couldbe arranged to provide closer spacing for more useful positions and widespacing in positions which are not likely to be used.

A major advantage of the ratcheting arrangement shown in FIGS. 7-10 isthat it permits a very convenient release of the locking mechanism bypressing the buttons from either side while, at the same time, providinga secure locking when the buttons 46 are not pressed.

Of course, numerous other arrangements may be readily devised by thoseskilled in the art which embody the principles of the invention and fallwithin its spirit and scope.

We claim:
 1. A pen-based computer having a handle/prop, a front displaysurface with a screen, a top edge adjacent to the top of the frontdisplay surface, a bottom edge adjacent to the bottom of the frontdisplay surface, and first and second side edges adjacent to oppositeside edges of the front display surface, wherein the improvementcomprises said handle/prop having first and second portions pivotallyconnected to said first and second side edges of the pen-based computerand a crossbar portion connected to said first and secondportions,wherein said handle/prop can be selectively located in oneof: 1) a first position for carrying the pen-based computer, wherein thecrossbar portion is adjacent to, and spaced apart from, said top edge ofthe front display surface; and 2) a second position wherein the crossbarportion is located adjacent to the bottom edge of the pen-based computerto permit hand-holding of the computer in a position for writing on thescreen of the computer, wherein the distance between the crossbarportion and the bottom edge of the computer in the second position isless than the distance between the crossbar portion and the top edge ofthe computer in the first position, wherein said first and secondportions of the handle/prop are mounted at said first and second sideedges of said computer at locations closer to the top edge of thecomputer than to the bottom edge of the computer, wherein said pen-basedcomputer includes a back surface opposite to said front display surface,and wherein the total area of the front display surface is greater thanthe total area of the back surface so that said front display surfaceoverlaps said back surface at least at the bottom edge and the first andsecond side edges of the computer so that said bottom edge and the firstand second side edges of the computer include a recessed portionadjacent to the back surface of the computer, wherein said first andsecond portions of the handle/prop are connected to the computer in therecessed portions of the first and second side edges of the computer,and wherein the handle is connected to the computer so that, in thesecond position, the first and second portions of the handle will be inthe recessed portion of the first and second side edges, under theoverlapping portion of the front display surface, and wherein thecrossbar portion of the handle/prop will be in the recessed portion ofthe bottom edge of the computer, under the overlapping portion of thefront display surface so that the handle/prop is located behind theoverlapping portion of the front display surface to minimize the size ofthe computer and minimize interference with holding the computer andwriting on a screen of the computer when a user is holding the computerin the second position.
 2. A handle/prop according to claim 1, whereinthe first and second portions of the handle/prop are substantiallyparallel to one another, and wherein the crossbar portion issubstantially perpendicular to said first and second portions.
 3. Ahandle/prop according to claim 1, wherein the crossbar portion contactsthe bottom edge of the computer in the second position.
 4. A handle/propaccording to claim 1, wherein in the second position the handle/propwill not be visible when the computer is viewed from the front displayscreen.
 5. A handle/prop according to claim 1, wherein the handle/propincludes an antenna.
 6. A pen-based computer according to claim 5,wherein the antenna is embedded in the handle/prop.
 7. A pen-basedcomputer according to claim 5, wherein the antenna is wrapped around thehandle/prop.
 8. A pen-based computer according to claim 1, furthercomprising a ratchet locking mechanism for locking said handle/prop intoa plurality of different positions.
 9. A pen-based computer according toclaim 8, wherein said ratchet locking mechanism includes first andsecond release buttons located at points where the handle/prop pivotallyconnects at opposite side edges of the computer.